It doesn't matter if you've been to one, many, or none before, Family Orchestra is back with a free workshop this Saturday morning, 10am, at Moorlands Community Centre.
Joined by members of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Family Orchestra is open to players of any standard, any age, and any instrument — everyone is welcome! You can bring your own instruments, or use one of the free percussion instruments provided.
On Monday 11 June 2018, Southampton Youth Strings (SYS) will perform a free concert at Ikea Restaurant. Starting at 4.45pm, the 30 minute set will include popular and classical pieces of music.
Over the past few year, the performance has become a well received annual event, with some of Southampton's most talented young string players sharing their talents with shoppers and diners from the local community and beyond.
Christa Porter, Ensemble Director for SYS, says:
"Southampton Youth Strings are delighted to be invited back to Ikea again this year — we're very grateful for the opportunity Ikea give the city's talented young string players to share their music with the community."
Southampton Music Hub and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra presents Family Proms — a spectacular celebration of music performed by, and for, families of all shapes and sizes from across the city.
Family Proms includes the chance to hear bass instruments as you’ve never heard them before, with performances from In at the Deep End: a quintet of musicians from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra consisting of four of the lowest orchestral bass instruments — tuba, trombone, bassoon and double bass — plus percussion.
In at the Deep End will be joined by performers of all ages and abilities from the free Family Orchestra, Family Singing and Family Rock Jam workshops currently taking place across the city, alongside Fiona Funnell and Groove Merchant.
Family Singing continues its journey across the city, arriving at Moorlands Community Centre this Saturday morning — a venue that brings back fond memories of Southampton's first Family Orchestra workshop nearly 18 months ago!
Singing together can help the whole family to feel happier and healthier — all ages, abilities and experience levels are welcome!
Family Rock Jam returns on Saturday, with a chance to learn the massive rock anthem, 'I Love Rock and Roll' by Joan Jett. Playing alongside house band Groove Merchant, it doesn't matter if you're picking up a guitar for the first time, or are an experienced player — anyone can join in!
Suitable for families of all shapes and sizes — bring your own guitar, or use one of the free guitars provided!
On Sunday 6 May 2018, in the bank holiday sun, young musicians in Southampton Wind Band and Southampton Youth Brass Band delighted the crowds that gathered outside the old city walls, on the steps, balconies and restaurants that make up the esplanade at Westquay. Performing a wide range of music, including songs from musicals and traditional brass and wind band pieces, the music filled the air, entertaining shoppers, diners, and the families who sat and watched.
Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager at Southampton Music Hub, says:
"It was a huge pleasure to watch the hub's young musicians performing at the weekend. They sounded spectacular. The bank holiday weekend is a special time for families, and so for our young musicians (and their families) to give up their time to share the joy of music with other families in the city is very particularly special."
Was down here having lunch today and this lot were AMAZING! Particularly enjoyed the Les Mis portion of the show. Sunshine, pizza and a brass band nothing more I could want out of a Sunday. https://t.co/CamP1lTxiE
— Lisa (@LisaNaomi) May 6, 2018
Young brass musicians from Southampton, alongside Southampton Music Hub teacher, Jon Hanchett and other musicians from the Low Brass Day
On Saturday 5th May, 13 students, along with Southampton Music Hub teacher, John Hanchett traveled to the Royal Marines School Of Music in Portsmouth for their Low Brass Day. The day, which was organised by the Royal Marine Band Service and the British Trombone Society brought four of the countries finest low brass players together with local musicians. Around 100 Tuba, Euphonium, Baritone, Bass and Tenor Trombones started the morning by forming a huge ensemble creating a loud and majestic sound.
Each of the four international soloists led masterclasses, focusing on different aspects of brass playing. Bass Trombonist, Simon Minshall led a session exploring the bass trombonist role within Wagner’s Ring cycle, wowing people with his Contrabass Trombone playing. Robbie Harvey shared his jazz background, giving tips of how to explore improvisation. Robbie also performed several pieces backed by a jazz combo from the Royal Marines.
Following a break for lunch, when students took the opportunity to look around School of Music and visit the trade stands — enjoying having a go at playing Soprano trombones and sousaphones among other instruments, Tuba virtuoso, Les Neish gave an interesting session focusing on advanced breathing techniques, and included them in daily practice.
Finally world renowned Euphonium star, David Childs delivered a session on performance skills, taking about presentation. To conclude the day, all those taking part formed the large low brass ensemble again playing a piece composed for this event which featured the four fabulous soloists.
John Hanchett says:
“It was an inspirational event, an utterly fantastic opportunity to hear playing of the highest caliber. I’m sure all the students will be taking tips from today into their own practice and performance. The young musicians had a fantastic day, and were also a credit to their parents and schools with how they engaged with this Low Brass Day."
Family Orchestra continues its journey around the city, arriving at Woolston Community Centre on Saturday morning, where members of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will lead another exciting, creative music-making session for player of all ages and abilities.
Young Brass players at Music in the City
Southampton Wind Band and Southampton Youth Brass Band are hosting two open air concerts at Westquay Esplanade this bank holiday weekend. Performing in front of the old city walls, and as part of Westquays "Sunday Brunch" series, these free concerts, taking place on Sunday at 1pm and 2pm, are the perfect way to enjoy (what hopefully will be) the sunny long weekend ahead.
Other performers in the Sunday Brunch series include LoveSoul Choir — one of Southampton Music Hub's partners — performing on Sunday 27 May.
On Thursday 28 June, thanks to support from the Southampton Schools Music Association (SSMA), Southampton Music Hub is bringing nearly 800 young singers together at Central Hall for a super-sized African music celebration. Led by by professional workshop leader Rosie Bergonzi, this singing celebration will be the culmination of months of free workshops and rehearsals at schools across the city.
The project is supported by a brand new resource pack — including vocal and percussion arrangements of nine traditional African songs — which is freely available as part of the resources available from the Southampton Music Hub website.
Nia Collins, Interim Manager at Southampton Music Hub, says
“Southampton Music Hub is delighted to be working with the SSMA on this project. Both the hub and SSMA have a fantastic track record for excellence in vocal work with schools in Southampton and we are excited to work together to showcase this in a celebration event for the Big African Sing. The hub team have worked hard to develop a brilliant and flexible set of new resources which are suitable for all ages and abilities; for use both in and out of the classroom.”
Family Singing comes to Woolston Community Centre this Saturday with another free community singing workshop to help the whole family feel happier and healthier — free and fun, Family Singing is open to families of all shapes and sizes!
Do you know a family who would enjoy singing together?
Do you have an auntie/uncle/grand parent or friend who would love to join you?
Why not send them this email and invite them to join us this weekend?
On Sunday 29 April, Morro Barry and Lucy Gowans, two talented young musicians from Southampton Music Hub ensembles, will perform with Southampton Concert Wind Band in their “Stars of Tomorrow” concert at All Saints Church in Botley.
Southampton Concert Wind Band provide the opportunity for wind, brass and percussion players to make great music, and their director, Calum Gray, is an important part of the local amateur musical community. The band's repertoire incorporates a variety of musical styles including original, classical, shows, popular, traditional and jazz.
Southampton Concert Wind Band are keen to support and develop the talent of young musicians and invited the Southampton Music Hub to nominate two students to perform a solo with the band. Morro will be performing the first movement of the Gregson Tuba Concerto and Lucy the second movement of the Mozart Bassoon Concerto. Morro (14) and Lucy (12) are both in receipt of Music Awards from the hub and perform with several ensembles in Southampton and with groups at a national level.
Zoe Hunting, Ensemble Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:
"This is a wonderful opportunity for two of Southampton’s most talented students to perform as soloists with the Southampton Concert Wind Band. We are very grateful for the opportunity the band have given to Morro and Lucy and wish them both all the very best for the evening”.
Tickets to the Concert are £8 for adults and £6 for concessions and can be booked by contacting 01489 782445.
Another brand new, free song has been added to the Everybody Sing Song Bank this month.
‘St George’s Day Blues’, written by Jo Downs, celebrates St George’s Day and will let children of all ages have fun learning about the story of St George through a catchy call and response blues song. Alongside the song, there is another podcast episode with ideas for dragon themed vocal warm ups.
Family Rock Jam returns to the Academy of Music and Sound this Saturday, with another free rock guitar workshop from 10am–12noon. Joined by the house band, Grove Merchant, Family Rock Jam is a great way for families of all shapes and sizes to learn to play guitar, performing alongside some of the city's most talented young rock musicians.
On Saturday 24 March 2018, Southampton Music Hub and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra were joined by families of all shapes and sizes for a Family Orchestra workshop at The Ashby Sure Start Centre. The orchestra created new musical ideas to go with their pieces of music inspired by the songs "We Are Family" and "Viva La Vida".
After a week away because of the snow, Family Orchestra is back this weekend, with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra bringing an exciting and creative music-making workshop to the Ashby Centre on Saturday morning.
Suitable for families of all shapes and sizes — any standard, any age, any instrument welcome!
On Saturday 24 March 2018, young orchestral musicians from across the city will come together for an inspirational evening of music at Central Hall. Featuring performances from Acorn Strings, Elgar, Southampton Youth Strings (SYS), Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS) and Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO) the evening will also feature a special guest performance from Airplay, the city's foundation youth wind band.
Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for concessions, £2 for children under 16, and a special family ticket (two adults and two children) costs £20. Advance price tickets can be reserved up until 3pm on Friday 23 March, by contacting the Southampton Music Hub office.
Family Rock Jam returns to Academy of Music and Sound this Saturday for another free and fun, open-access rock guitar jam session! House band Groove Merchant will be back again to play along with families of all shapes and sizes, and guitar players of all ages and abilities!
Bring your own guitar or use one of the free ones provided!
Pupils at Banister Primary school have been experiencing African music first hand through performance and listening.
Thanks to music teachers from Southampton Music Hub, pupils have used a full set of African djembe drums, and have learnt the different drumming techniques needed to play simple African rhythms. They have also learnt to sing traditional African songs and have used the drums to play and sing together.
All classes are working towards a final performance at the end of term.
A member of school staff says:
“We're really impressed — the rhythms sound very complicated and they all sound so good — pupils are loving it.”
On Saturday 24th February, members of Acorn Strings and Elgar, the Hub's two beginner strings ensembles, spent the morning in a workshop with workshop leader Neil Valentine.
The day started with a few warm-up games to help the children feel some of the rhythms they were about to play. They then learnt to play "Ah Ya Zeem", a traditional Arabic tune, before exploring different ways to change their performance of the music. The players also had the chance to visit the Southampton Youth Orchestra mid-rehearsal, to experience the sound of a full symphony orchestra and see how they rehearsed. Finally, they worked as an ensemble to turn the short tune into a five-minute work adding to the original piece with their own ideas for creating soundscapes using different techniques on their instruments.
Chris Nichols, Director of Acorn Strings, says:
"It was really exciting to see the children work creatively without the confines of sheet music and an orchestral setting! It was also a good opportunity for the children to get to know each other better, outside of the weekly rehearsals. Several of the children played the music to each other as soon as they arrived at the next rehearsal!"
